If we could only have our way, we would like our skin to be beautiful, healthy, and young-looking for the rest of our lives. Of course, aging will always pour cold water on that wish. Growing old is inevitable, and it will take a toll on our skin whether we like it or not.
Aging, however, doesn’t mean we can’t do anything to at least delay its effects on our skin. There are so many ways to keep our skin look healthy, beautiful, and young even as we grow older. Here are some of the things we can do to make that happen.
Limit sun exposure
Getting some sunshine is good, as it has many health benefits. Exposure to sunlight, however, becomes a problem when you have too much of it. If you go out without using sunscreens with SPF 30, your complexion will take a beating. Looking dry and wrinkled is par for the course when you spend a lot of time under the sun, so if possible, limit your exposure to sunlight to avoid its adverse effects on your skin.
Undergo skin treatments
There isn’t any rule against going for treatments from medical spas to get the kind of skin that you’ve always wanted. So you can go for a simple chemical peel to deal with dry or oily skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne, if you want. For sagging skin, procedures like laser skin resurfacing can help.
Hydrate
Water makes up 64% of our skin, and that water needs to be replenished regularly. You will need to hydrate by drinking at least eight glasses of water every day.
Eat right
If you can avoid or at least reduce your intake of food that increases free-radical damage such as meats, dairy products, and saturated fat, then your skin will thank you for it. Instead, eat foods rich in omega fatty acids such as salmon, almonds, and flaxseed. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables will also have a positive impact on your skin.
Manage your stress
Stress helps produce cortisol which causes inflammation that breaks down collagen. Since collagen keeps our skin strong and elastic and replaces dead skin cells as well, we have to do what we can to lower our stress levels. Since we cannot completely avoid stress, we have to manage it by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, engaging in deep-breathing exercises, and meditating.
Get regular exercise
Aside from helping you manage your stress levels, regular exercise also helps tone your skin. In addition, working out gets your blood pumping and helps it flow more efficiently throughout your body. With more efficient blood flow, the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin becomes easier, resulting in increased collagen production.
Sleep well
Not getting enough sleep can make you look older with the resulting sallow and dull-looking skin. The dark circles around your eyes wouldn’t help you either. Remember to get ample sleep whenever you can if you want skin that’s healthier and younger-looking.
Don’t smoke or quit smoking
The environment is already polluted enough to have adverse effects on your skin. If you add cigarette smoke into that mix, you’re a likely candidate for wrinkles, pigmentation, and overall bad skin. Never smoke, or quit if you’re already a smoker.
Massage your face
We’ve already stated how important collagen is to keeping your skin looking younger. Massage your face daily, and you will give your body’s ability to produce collagen a boost. With regular facial massages, you can stimulate the lymph glands to promote clear skin and give your skin a healthier appearance as well.
Keep your makeup brushes clean
You know that the makeup brushes and sponges that you use regularly are bound to catch bacteria over time. If you don’t clean or replace them regularly and you continue to use them, don’t be surprised if you get a breakout or two. Always use clean brushes and sponges on your face.
Don’t use cotton pillowcases
If your pillowcases are made from cotton, then you might want to replace them. Cotton pillowcases tend to take away all the moisture from your skin and leave it dry and flaky. You’re also likely to get wrinkles and sleep lines, especially if you’re in the habit of burying your face into your pillow as you sleep. Silk and satin pillowcases are friendlier to your skin.
Use a humidifier
If you have dry skin, using a humidifier at bedtime can help make it supple and hydrated. When the temperature drops, you will find that a humidifier can help prevent the cold from drying out your skin.
Take more vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has strong antioxidant properties, and these properties play a crucial role in collagen synthesis. Aside from its beneficial effects on your skin cells, Vitamin C may also aid in the prevention and treatment of sun damage according to some studies.
Practice proper skin care
Gentle cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are all part of a good skincare routine. Add exfoliation to that list, and you’ll have a routine that will you keep your skin as fresh as ever.
No one ever said that achieving and maintaining younger-looking skin doesn’t require any effort on your part. You have to work hard to keep your skin beautiful for a long time, and we hope the tips listed above will help you do just that.